This was an afternoon in which Mourinho’s team had done easily enough to merit victory. It wasn’t as one-sided or as full of chances as the Stoke and Burnley games, but against a side much superior to those, they were clearly better against Arsenal, whose players looked jaded from their international travels.

Of course, this match is much more the a personality content. Yet sometimes it feels that way. Mourinho had been baited throughout by the small corner of Arsenal fans. ‘You’re not special anymore,’ was the only printable chant amongst their selection of songs.

And, early on, Mourinho gave a little wave, in defiant acknowledgement. Not enough to merit further attention from the FA; but enough to make it clear he had heard and would take the gauntlet.

Juan Mata converted Ander Herrera's cut-back to send Old Trafford into raptures during the second-half

Mata celebrates scoring with a sublime controlled finish, guided past Petr Cech to give his side the lead

Mata's goal came in a period of dominance for Manchester United as they capitalised on their superiority

For Arsenal fans smelt his vulnerability. Wenger came here in the ascendant. His was the team playing like title contenders: Mourinho’s was struggling for identity.

And when Juan Mata scored for United, their fans immediately responded. ‘Jose Mourinho,’ they chanted repeatedly.

Though only 69 minutes had passed, United were so in control and Arsenal struggling for form, it hardly seemed premature. In the next twenty minutes, there was little from Arsenal to suggest that analysis would change much but Giroud’s equaliser meant the invective against the United manager resumed. And if you wished to question Mourinho’s credentials, you might point to the fact that they once more unnecessarily dropped points at home.

The goalscorer and provider celebrate in the aftermath and Mata was booked for engaging with the crowd

Wayne Rooney made a positive impact on his side after coming off the bench as a replacement for Anthony Martial

However, though it wasn’t a vintage performance, it was good; at times it was perhaps as well as United have played under him.

There were periods where they sat back and absorbed. But all over the pitch, there was confidence in the system; in Ander Herrera there was excellence, dictating midfield rhythms; from Juan Mata, once discarded by Mourinho at Chelsea, there was leadership and clinical interventions.

And Old Trafford has a way of embracing its own. Mourinho might yet encounter further stumbling blocks along the way as he attempts to ingratiate himself into Manchester United.

Manchester United's appeals for a penalty for this challenge on Antonio Valencia were turned down by the referee

Louis van Gaal had equally enthusiastic supporters at times along the way. But it feels like he is beginning to establish himself here.

The early exchanges were promising, more so for Arsenal when Mesut Ozil and Mohamed Elneny cleverly worked a corner to Nacho Monreal.

His cross was flicked on by Theo Walcott and Alexis Sanchez, yards out from goal, headed wide.

Matteo Darmian attempts to win possession from Theo Walcott as the Arsenal forward shields the ball

Marcus Rashford attempts to keep hold of the ball with Aaron Ramsey and Alexis Sanchez snapping at his heels

In one of the few flash-points of the first-half, Petr Cech stretches to make a save from a well struck effort on goal

Marcus Rashford collides with the linesman who braces himself as the striker lends a helping hand

It had been something of a surprise to see the Chilean in the starting line-up following his exploits scoring twice against Uruguay on Tuesday. His hamstring heavily strapped, it became apparent his desire to play had superseded better judgement. His technique was exquisite but his ability to execute, hampered.

Early expectations fizzled out into a game of sideways possession from Arsenal and swift counter attacks from a deep-sitting Manchester United team.

That said, the Sanchez chance apart, United had the better of the first half. Though, the most committed and animated performance of all was Mourinho’s on the touchline when Nacho Monreal stuck out a string arm, impeding Antonio Valencia, who had him beaten.

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Richard Mwaikenda

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